Gymnastics Explained
Element group
In men's gymnastics, one of the families of skills each apparatus is divided into. A routine must include skills from every group to earn full credit.
Element groups are how the men’s Code of Points rewards variety. Each apparatus except floor has three element groups plus a dismount group; floor has four element groups. A routine must include at least one counting skill from each.
| Apparatus | Element groups |
|---|---|
| Floor | Non-acrobatic; acrobatic forward; acrobatic backward; single saltos with twists |
| Pommel horse | Single-leg swings and scissors; circles and flairs; travels; dismounts |
| Rings | Kip and swing elements; strength and hold elements; swing to strength; dismounts |
| Parallel bars | Elements from upper-arm position; elements in support; long swings and underswings; dismounts |
| Horizontal bar | Long hang swings; flight elements; in-bar and Adler elements; dismounts |
Each group covered among the counting skills adds to the D-score: 0.5 if it’s met with a D-value or harder skill, 0.3 with an easier one (group 1 is worth 0.5 with any skill). The dismount group adds the dismount’s own value. No more than four of the counting skills can come from one group.
Women’s gymnastics uses composition requirements instead.
Sources
- Men's Artistic Gymnastics — 2025-2028 Code of Points — International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) (accessed 31 August 2026)